Early in the evening, BJ Watling missed his century by four runs but returned to the pavilion with a spring in his step after propelling New Zealand to a competitive total in difficult circumstances, with rain curtailing the game to 33 overs a side. Tillakaratne Dilshan not only passed three figures, but also ensured Sri Lanka passed the finish line without panic in a controlled chase.

The two innings were statistically similar - in terms of strike-rate and number of boundaries hit - but the difference lay in the way they were paced. Watling came alive after he passed fifty, while Dilshan built his innings steadily and pushed on once his partnership with Angelo Mathews had all but ensured Sri Lanka to safety.

New Zealand had scored 188, but the target was revised to 197. The chase began positively with Dilshan finding the gaps early on, but New Zealand hit back in the fifth over. After being caressed for two boundaries through the off side, Tim Southee bowled a bouncer and Upul Tharanga ducked and the ball deflected off his helmet for four. Southee exchanged words with the batsman but Tharanga barely had time to gather himself when he hooked the following ball - dug in short again - awkwardly to fine leg.

The challenge for the New Zealand bowlers was the heavy dew and their seamers did well to keep it tight and not let the likes of Kumar Sangakkara to get away. In the urge to find the boundary, Sangakkara chipped down the track to Kyle Mills and pulled straight to midwicket. It wasn't Mahela Jayawardene's night either, as his reverse sweep off Nathan McCullum found short third man, giving New Zealand an opening in the 15th over with Sri Lanka needing 124.

The boundaries had dried up for the hosts and the drought lasted eight overs before Mathews charged Southee and swatted him over mid-on. The required rate crept up to seven and beyond but Dilshan and Mathews ensured things didn't get out of hand, perhaps gaining a psychological edge watching the bowlers furiously wipe the ball trying to get rid of the dew. The fielders showed good commitment, sliding and diving with purpose but the bowlers couldn't sustain the pressure, giving away regular boundaries.

Dilshan crashed one on the up and nearly cleaned up the bowler Trent Boult, before Mathews slapped two ordinary deliveries from Mills wide of point in a three-over period that produced a vital 30 runs. It was a matter of time before Dilshan produced his trademark lap shot, sending one off Jacob Oram to fine leg. Sri Lanka took their last Powerplay block of three overs in the end, when Dilshan muscled his way towards his century, reaching the landmark with a six over deep square leg.

Sri Lanka were fortunate their innings wasn't constantly interrupted by the weather. Two lengthy rain interruptions - both exceeding 100 minutes each - couldn't have been easy for New Zealand as they looked to build after being put in to bat. After the second break, they had 19 remaining overs to get as many as they could, with the threat of rain at the back of their heads.

The stand of 56 between James Franklin and Watling gave New Zealand the push they needed. Watling had nothing to lose in attacking. His first fifty came of 70 balls - his next 46 came off just 18. It included slogs to midwicket off the spinners, powerful drives to the deep square on the off side off the seamers and three boundaries in an over off Lasith Malinga. That over - the penultimate - yielded 15, as Malinga dished out low full tosses. It was one of those nights when he couldn't land his yorkers. Nathan McCullum gave him good support at the other end with clean hits.

A century for Watling seemed a possibility but he lost strike after the third ball in the final over. New Zealand had made enough to set Sri Lanka a required rate of just under a run-a-ball, but Dilshan and Mathews settled the issue with nearly two overs to spare and give Sri Lanka an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Good Show Sri Lanka. Winning is habit, so keep going at least till the next big tournament. Hopefully Sri Lanka doesn't come second in a final like it did a month ago at the Premadasa Stadium.

POSTED BY
on | November 8, 2012, 13:20 GMT

t even giving a chance to play in the playing eleven.After tm dilshan Chandimal he is the leading run getter in the year 2012 in one days,even in the 20/0 world cup Chandimal did'nt even get a single practice game to take back his confidence,
at the age of 23 these kind of players are going through lot of hard times,from my point of view selectors should not consider the thoughts of mahela,Sangakkara and Dilshan when picking a side. i still can remember how mahela jayawardena got his chance to play all the matches in the 2003 world cup thanks to sanath jayasuriya,now mahela is one of the greatest and can say the best batsmen ever produced by SL . but sad to say at the late 30s marvan atapattu,sanath jayasuriya and Chaminda Vass were dropped under the captaincy of mahela and sangakkara. that was a good move to give the new comers a chance but i have a fishy feeling that they did that to take over captaincy's and rule SL Cricket??? and other fishy feeling is that are theses players afrai

POSTED BY
on | November 8, 2012, 13:18 GMT

This is the best opportunity to give the youngsters a good run at international level. Dilshan Munaweera is among the leading strikers and will be a great investment for SL Cricket,but the way the Selectors and the SL cricket are handling him is very disappointing.
On debut he scored 17 and had a good partnership with Tm Dilshan and put on 54 for the first wicket in 6 overs.
Just after his debut with out giving confidence he was dropped to bat at number 3 in a seven overs encounter between South Africa,in a seaming wicket where all the Sri lankan batters failed to make a mark he was the highest run getter in that match with Sangakkara.
next he was given a chance to play against the kiwis in the one and only 20/20 and only play was due to two overs he was not out on 4 with Tm Dilshan not out on 2.and inclusion of mahela got the youster out of the side with fare to say not even getting a chance to prove him self.
Dinesh Chandimal among the leading run scorers in the Calender year and not

POSTED BY
Deanshaw
on | November 8, 2012, 9:44 GMT

This makes me sick!!..why?..because they play in these useless matches so well but they screw up all important finals..not once not twice but 4 times, so I think I have the right to say this..

I think they should send these guys for a good military training before close to a World cup..that way they will know how to handle pressure finally..

POSTED BY
Alexk400
on | November 7, 2012, 21:23 GMT

Dilshan is not professional. He plays well only when he is angry. ha.

POSTED BY
sonu77
on | November 7, 2012, 13:19 GMT

tharanga should be there for remaining 2 matches.he is coming from an injury.I'm sure he will score heaviely in hambantota.he is the man who should take the responsibility in top order after big 3's retirement.he is one of the greatest timer of the cricket ball I had ever seen.

POSTED BY
PakFan1209
on | November 7, 2012, 12:50 GMT

great performance by dilshan and mathews after jaywardena and sangakara got out i thought tht now nz will win the match but because of dilshan and mathews the won well played sri lanka frm a pakistani fan

POSTED BY
Cricmansoor
on | November 7, 2012, 12:11 GMT

@Raman Silva,why do you worry about Indian openers?Think about Srilanka.

POSTED BY
on | November 7, 2012, 10:27 GMT

I seriously think that a maximum of 4 fielders outside the circle is a bad idea. Needs to increase back to 5 now. Don't understand why 50 over is trying to be like 20 over when really its a balance form of game. This will ruin the game please consider!

POSTED BY
mgsperera
on | November 7, 2012, 9:34 GMT

Last 7yrs or so I was pretty impressed with Mahela's Batting & Captaincy skills.But seems he is misusing his talents & skills by doing nonsence things.look at the way he got out..He is a clazy batter who is having plenty of shots around the wicket .what was that pathatic shot he played.If im not mistaken he this was the reduclulers shot which he tried in the T20 Final. Also his captency decissions are not at his best.including Upul Tharanga ,not using the iptimum results from plyers like Chandimal / Thisara /Akila / Thirimanne.wht has happened to Mahela ???

POSTED BY
RohanMarkJay
on | November 8, 2012, 21:44 GMT

Good Show Sri Lanka. Winning is habit, so keep going at least till the next big tournament. Hopefully Sri Lanka doesn't come second in a final like it did a month ago at the Premadasa Stadium.

POSTED BY
on | November 8, 2012, 13:20 GMT

t even giving a chance to play in the playing eleven.After tm dilshan Chandimal he is the leading run getter in the year 2012 in one days,even in the 20/0 world cup Chandimal did'nt even get a single practice game to take back his confidence,
at the age of 23 these kind of players are going through lot of hard times,from my point of view selectors should not consider the thoughts of mahela,Sangakkara and Dilshan when picking a side. i still can remember how mahela jayawardena got his chance to play all the matches in the 2003 world cup thanks to sanath jayasuriya,now mahela is one of the greatest and can say the best batsmen ever produced by SL . but sad to say at the late 30s marvan atapattu,sanath jayasuriya and Chaminda Vass were dropped under the captaincy of mahela and sangakkara. that was a good move to give the new comers a chance but i have a fishy feeling that they did that to take over captaincy's and rule SL Cricket??? and other fishy feeling is that are theses players afrai

POSTED BY
on | November 8, 2012, 13:18 GMT

This is the best opportunity to give the youngsters a good run at international level. Dilshan Munaweera is among the leading strikers and will be a great investment for SL Cricket,but the way the Selectors and the SL cricket are handling him is very disappointing.
On debut he scored 17 and had a good partnership with Tm Dilshan and put on 54 for the first wicket in 6 overs.
Just after his debut with out giving confidence he was dropped to bat at number 3 in a seven overs encounter between South Africa,in a seaming wicket where all the Sri lankan batters failed to make a mark he was the highest run getter in that match with Sangakkara.
next he was given a chance to play against the kiwis in the one and only 20/20 and only play was due to two overs he was not out on 4 with Tm Dilshan not out on 2.and inclusion of mahela got the youster out of the side with fare to say not even getting a chance to prove him self.
Dinesh Chandimal among the leading run scorers in the Calender year and not

POSTED BY
Deanshaw
on | November 8, 2012, 9:44 GMT

This makes me sick!!..why?..because they play in these useless matches so well but they screw up all important finals..not once not twice but 4 times, so I think I have the right to say this..

I think they should send these guys for a good military training before close to a World cup..that way they will know how to handle pressure finally..

POSTED BY
Alexk400
on | November 7, 2012, 21:23 GMT

Dilshan is not professional. He plays well only when he is angry. ha.

POSTED BY
sonu77
on | November 7, 2012, 13:19 GMT

tharanga should be there for remaining 2 matches.he is coming from an injury.I'm sure he will score heaviely in hambantota.he is the man who should take the responsibility in top order after big 3's retirement.he is one of the greatest timer of the cricket ball I had ever seen.

POSTED BY
PakFan1209
on | November 7, 2012, 12:50 GMT

great performance by dilshan and mathews after jaywardena and sangakara got out i thought tht now nz will win the match but because of dilshan and mathews the won well played sri lanka frm a pakistani fan

POSTED BY
Cricmansoor
on | November 7, 2012, 12:11 GMT

@Raman Silva,why do you worry about Indian openers?Think about Srilanka.

POSTED BY
on | November 7, 2012, 10:27 GMT

I seriously think that a maximum of 4 fielders outside the circle is a bad idea. Needs to increase back to 5 now. Don't understand why 50 over is trying to be like 20 over when really its a balance form of game. This will ruin the game please consider!

POSTED BY
mgsperera
on | November 7, 2012, 9:34 GMT

Last 7yrs or so I was pretty impressed with Mahela's Batting & Captaincy skills.But seems he is misusing his talents & skills by doing nonsence things.look at the way he got out..He is a clazy batter who is having plenty of shots around the wicket .what was that pathatic shot he played.If im not mistaken he this was the reduclulers shot which he tried in the T20 Final. Also his captency decissions are not at his best.including Upul Tharanga ,not using the iptimum results from plyers like Chandimal / Thisara /Akila / Thirimanne.wht has happened to Mahela ???

POSTED BY
mgsperera
on | November 7, 2012, 9:19 GMT

Lot of ppl talking abt young talents & build up the team for next WC.Cricket is not all abt winning WC.we should keep our positions & rankings while introducing young players.Sanga is the highest runs getter in 2012 & Dilshan with 1000runs+5 centuries..Can you drop them frm a side??you should have hv kind of experince out there..why we cnt drop Upul Tharanga????? But my only dissapointment is Chandimal.He has scored 800+ in 2012.pls give him a chance to get 1000+ in this year & be a part of world 11 ODI.that will def boost the level of his acheivment & confience..

POSTED BY
mgsperera
on | November 7, 2012, 9:04 GMT

what we can do with this pathatic Operner Upul Tharanga.look at the way he hooked against the short bowl..pls put Chandi instead.Open with Thirimanne..If you want to rely on past records you may bring Jaya,Athapaththu,Arnold,Silva as well.We need aggresive players, not loosers.

POSTED BY
Ramansilva
on | November 7, 2012, 8:50 GMT

Most good teams have formidable opening pairs, but not Sri Lanka or India. One opener is sluggish and loose the wiket early and the other unpredictable and get a good score once in a while.

POSTED BY
Extraz
on | November 7, 2012, 8:40 GMT

Congratz Lankans for a great win best of luck for the upcoming matches from Pak.

POSTED BY
on | November 7, 2012, 8:10 GMT

How many times Mahila got out, reverse sweeping in the recent past.He is one of the best batsmen in the world cricket who could play spinners in a conventional way.

POSTED BY
amilag
on | November 7, 2012, 7:15 GMT

I doubt this NZ team would be able to give a fight for mighty Sri Lankans! The SL team is well balanced and ready to take any challenges in any wicket!

POSTED BY
calidfern
on | November 7, 2012, 6:13 GMT

Enough with Tharanga now. y dont we give a chance to Chandimal. it would be a better option.. well done Dilshan & Angelo keep going..

POSTED BY
on | November 7, 2012, 4:26 GMT

kiwi's continue there record they never won a single match in srilanka against srilanka since 1986.

POSTED BY
Baber_Baloch
on | November 7, 2012, 4:07 GMT

Sl is not minnows team....They been Champion also much time played finalist team...good wishes SL form PAK fans.

POSTED BY
Mahaanama
on | November 7, 2012, 4:01 GMT

Lion roar again! What a way to win. It's bit dissappointing that rain prevented showing lion's real talent. Southee got the treatmenet that he deserved for his bad word exchange with Tharanga.

POSTED BY
ajithabey
on | November 7, 2012, 3:55 GMT

Congrats Sri Lanka on winning another rain shortened game.It is unfortunate however that Mahela continues to play the reverse sweep which brought his downfall once again.It is time that he plays his natural orthodox strokes which are a treat to watch instead playing fancy shots and thereby adding pressure to the other players.Dilshan and Mathews played mature innings to bring this win for Sri Lanka although the bowling did not come upto expectations.Hopefully Sri Lanka can wrap up the series without showing any complacency in future.I also think that Chandimal and Munaweera should be exposed to more international matches instead of warming the bench.

POSTED BY
anver777
on | November 7, 2012, 3:49 GMT

It was a typical Dilshan's knock...... he along with Angelo made the task easy one in the end........ credit to gutsy finisher Anjelo, even after that blow to his wrist he continued till end with pain !!!!

POSTED BY
colombo_SL
on | November 7, 2012, 3:47 GMT

Better to give another chance to Tharanga. Because he should be a opener in future Sri Lankan team & Thirimanne & Chandimal should be at the middle order. We all know Tharanga can play long innings in ODIs. He should immediately find his form, most probably in very next match.

POSTED BY
on | November 7, 2012, 3:45 GMT

This is a pretty ridiculous farce.
You cannot blame the kiwis for attempting to save wickets early and build a base when they think it is a 50 over game. Who knows with 20 more overs what would have happened in that game.
Same in the first, who knows what 1 more wicket would have done to the Sri Lankan chase in the 1st game.
Anyone who is having a go at New Zealand over this ridiculously scheduled series is just plain foolish.
I feel sorry for the New Zealand batsmen, most have shown some backbone, and have lost by not a huge amount, and set reasonable totals in the scheme of things. They came out at start of series and said they willl start slow and build a base. Now because of the rain that obviously cannot work because Sri Lanka knows their plan and sends them in to bat knowing rain will be the 3rd team in the game.

POSTED BY
colombo_SL
on | November 7, 2012, 3:44 GMT

New Zealands were unlucky due to rain in this series. Their performances are actually encouraging in this series than previous ones. Hope their best at the Hambantota.

POSTED BY
colombo_SL
on | November 7, 2012, 3:42 GMT

Excellent innings by Watling. Nicely tamed Sri Lankans at the death overs.

POSTED BY
Rock_cricket
on | November 7, 2012, 3:41 GMT

SL are world champions now ....

POSTED BY
colombo_SL
on | November 7, 2012, 3:40 GMT

Sri Lanka is yet to test their middle order in this series. Come on give them a chancce. We have to asses them before we leave to Australia.

POSTED BY
jb633
on | November 7, 2012, 3:39 GMT

I think the over the top criticism of New Zeland is pretty short sighted. They are struggling at present but they are not a million miles off from improving. Over the years New Zeland have always exceeded expectations and to compare them with Bangladesh is a disgrace. They are playing against an excellent side in their own back yard and are missing key players.

POSTED BY
colombo_SL
on | November 7, 2012, 3:37 GMT

@Sobersfan; Happy to see Sobersfan got upset.

POSTED BY
colombo_SL
on | November 7, 2012, 3:36 GMT

Congratulation Sri Lanka. Well done Dilshan. Happy to see Matthews contribution. We are more like to see youngsters come forward & play. Chandimal & Thirimanne should be given more chance to bat top of the order.

POSTED BY
Meety
on | November 7, 2012, 3:33 GMT

Again, I felt that NZ has been harshly dealt with by D/L. SL are the better team & I am not saying that they shouldn't of won. Last game - the margin of victory bugged me, this time, the NZ par score. Not being a mathematician - IMO, the NZ score should of been revised to around 210. I think Sl would of got that total, but only in the last few balls - not 2 overs to spare!

POSTED BY
9ST9
on | November 7, 2012, 3:32 GMT

The way NZ batted at the top (esp.nicol) it seemed as if they thought
a) there wouldn't be any rain or reduction of overs.
b) that this was a 60 over game from the good old 70's.

POSTED BY
Cric_lover1234
on | November 7, 2012, 3:27 GMT

@SOBERSFAN : YEAH NZ BEAT INDIA COMPREHENSIVELY, BUT MY FRIEND THAT IS NOT ENOUGH TO MAKE SRI LANKA MINNOWS. BEATING TEAMS LIKE INDIA DO REMIND YOU THAT YOU ARE PLAYING THE GAME WITH MONEY, OTHER THAN THAT NO ONE WILL PLAY AGAINST INDIA AND WASTE THEIR TIME. BOTH SL AND NZ ARE VERY GOOD TEAMS, UP TO NOW SL LEADS THE SERIES 2-0.

POSTED BY
9ST9
on | November 7, 2012, 3:12 GMT

@Rixgm7 - regarding Oram indeed he was in superb form in the SLPL- a reason i added him in my Fantasy team for WT20 - the guy has disappointed ever since.

POSTED BY
Htc-Android
on | November 7, 2012, 2:36 GMT

@Test-is-the-Best. its due to the affect of 4 fielders inside the non powerplay overs. because of that even Bangladesh and Zimbabwe batsmen are going to score tons of runs.

POSTED BY
Htc-Android
on | November 7, 2012, 2:33 GMT

@sirNathe. New zealand played it like a test match in the first 14 overs, scoring three runs an over. I am not sure is that how they play one dayers. Also they had lost 2 two wickets. So we were clearly ahead of them even before the rain arrived. I know that was a disadvantage to them, but they enjoyed the full 10 powerplay overs. where we only had 7 overs. its not our fault if new zealand scores 3 an over during the powerplay overs.

POSTED BY
ComeIndiaNo1
on | November 7, 2012, 2:17 GMT

Well done Sri Lanka.. this is the way our Indian team should play cricket. SL is far better than India. Our MINNOW Indian team always loosers..

POSTED BY
Prem2248
on | November 7, 2012, 2:07 GMT

S'kara should make way for Chandimal,No 3 position is meant for a quick-footed stroke filled young batsmen such as Angelo Mathews, Angelo Perera, Rosen Silva, Bhanuka.By the way, one can find dozens of better players in the Country(but not from Panadura ) than the wounded-soldier like spinner and the all-rounder that has no proper batting nor bowling skills. Is he(Ajantha) really injured? If so, there are no better spinners than Malinda Pushpakumara & Sachithra Senanayake to replace him. They've been continuously proving their worth since 2007 though the J&Ps have always ignored them to entertain their henchmen.

POSTED BY
Akshita29
on | November 7, 2012, 1:52 GMT

Good innings By BJ . He was good in WI in the one dayers . Don't know why he is not given more chances? He should be the keeper in all 3 formats and he can play as a pure batsman too .

POSTED BY
shane-oh
on | November 7, 2012, 0:53 GMT

This series is nothing more than an embarrassment, and the results should be permanently wiped from the record books. Pure genius, this idea of scheduling a series in the middle of the monsoon season. Cricket is a game where the decision to bat or bowl first has an influence which can be overcome. In this series, it's all that matters. Duckworth Lewis isn't working.

POSTED BY
AMAZINGFAN
on | November 7, 2012, 0:52 GMT

WHAT AN UPSET.......NEVER EXPECTED MINNOW LIKE SL TO BEAT NZ.......

POSTED BY
on | November 7, 2012, 0:43 GMT

Why dont they play any cricket at Dambulla stadium? This stadium is in the dry zone. SL is planning on playing more one dayers in order to raise more revenue but unfortunately they all get affected by rain. Well done SL. Old hands are still doing well.

POSTED BY
on | November 7, 2012, 0:13 GMT

score...card is where...srilankas..mahela...how much..run

POSTED BY
on | November 6, 2012, 23:50 GMT

I'd love to know whose idiotic idea it eas that this was a good time of year for a cricket series in Sri Lanka. 50-over games are best when there's a chance of actually getting 50 overs in per side. Lord knows how much play there's likely to be in the rest of the series… but it's becoming clear that the side batting first should look at the sky, and if there's any cloud on the horizon, bat as if it's a T20 game. Chances are that's all the overs there'll be anyway.

POSTED BY
sirNathe
on | November 6, 2012, 22:59 GMT

The affect of the weather has gone Sri Lanka's way both times, the D-L method needs a tweak, only 9 extra runs added to the target, should have been 30-40. Both results can be ignored really, lets see what happens over 100 overs, if that's possible. How about starting the game earlier when the weather is clear???

POSTED BY
Kiwi-Jake
on | November 6, 2012, 22:32 GMT

Oh come on, NZ didn't even know it was a 33 over game until their 20th over so they were on the go-slow because of that. Personally I felt that the weather won on the day. How bout we start playing some 50-over cricket and then discuss who's the best side?

POSTED BY
Test-is-the-best
on | November 6, 2012, 21:45 GMT

Neither Malinga nor Kulasekara are good at bowling the death overs. They proved it yet again by conceeding 51 runs in the last four overs. Its become much tougher to control the attack at the end with the revised rules. However this is one of the area to be improved.
I think Dilshan is the only batsmen in the line up who can ensure victory to the team . If he stayed for long time of the SL inining there is a good chance of securing a win. Centuries against NZ and ENG in the World cup last year and fifty in T20 against NZ last month were good examples for it. It is important to find such a player ASAP as Dilshan's retirement is not far away.

POSTED BY
C.Dila
on | November 6, 2012, 21:20 GMT

In 2012 as a opener upul tharanga did nothing to sl team.hes like walking wicket and his fielding not up to the mark.so i think chandimal should replace him.

POSTED BY
Rixgm7
on | November 6, 2012, 21:08 GMT

Congrats NZ on 10 in a row. So many positives, Kane is continuing his annointed road to captaincy by playing as a specialist fielder, all our senior batsman are nicely rested, Latham is gaining plenty of experience, the lets preserve wickets and go at 2 an over early in the game tactic seems to be working a treat, and Oram, umm... I hear he was awesome in the SLPL.

POSTED BY
ranga_s
on | November 6, 2012, 21:04 GMT

First of all Congratulations Sri Lanka and Dilshan...Kiwis..you are good against any opposition in the world but more often than not you are only good just to get close...Enjoyed good cricket finally...For all who wants to see a line up change in SL Team...Is it really necessary...The big 3 are 35+ for sure but they are still capable of scoring runs arent they?? And Im pretty sure SL will look to make the changes for the future once the 2013 Champions Trophy is finished. That will give them enough time to build a team for 2015 WC in Australia. Apart Cricket is not just WC's. You need to win these in between games as well and I don't see why someone shouldn't field their best 11 at this early stages. My thoughts are after Champions Trophy 2013, Dilshan, Sangakkara and Mahela's roles in ODI will be assessed and Mathews will lead SL in that tournament. Guess Mathews will get his captaincy in Tests after 2015 given he takes SL to final rounds.

POSTED BY
kandykolla
on | November 6, 2012, 20:39 GMT

Kiwis are not sending the All blacks to Kandy !! Never mind, can your cricketers do the Haka please ............!!!!!!!!!!!!

POSTED BY
6pack
on | November 6, 2012, 19:25 GMT

The MINNOWS are living up to the billing! er I mean New Zealand..

POSTED BY
tdslbuwa
on | November 6, 2012, 19:04 GMT

Sri Lanka should give chances to youngsters in last 2 matches.we have to build a team around Mathewes,Chandimal,Thisara and Lahiru in future. Munaweera can replace Dilshan at the top and Akila & Sachithra will be there with Ajantha Mendis.Fast bowling will led by Kula,Shaminda & Nuwan pradeep. So afer the retirement of big 4 the team will look like....Munaweera,Tharanga,Thirimanne,Chandimal,Mathewes,Thisara,Jeevan,Kula,Akila,Shaminda,Ajantha......

POSTED BY
yohandf1984
on | November 6, 2012, 19:00 GMT

I m more happy of hving a lengthy game than our victory here . So this series is somhow progressing amid sheer rain . Salute to ground staff .As the series is reaching Hambantota , hoping for completed games . Anyway well done SL !

POSTED BY
zieglaar
on | November 6, 2012, 18:52 GMT

Tillakaratne Dilshan not only passed three figures, but also ensured Sri Lanka passed the finish line without panic in an evenly contested chase.

Good one dill keep up the cricket for our land and country sri lanka

If one fails the other continues

POSTED BY
AzAb12754
on | November 6, 2012, 18:52 GMT

lool New Zealand are just 1 point ahead of Bangladesh in the ODI ranking table :D

POSTED BY
on | November 6, 2012, 18:52 GMT

It's indeed a thrllling match. If the toss had gone to NZ, the match would have changed.

POSTED BY
on | November 6, 2012, 18:44 GMT

It is time chandimal was given an extended run; 3 of the top 4 are 35 yrs old. Otherwise it will become like the Indian middle order.GOLDEN BOYS grew old together.COME ON ASANTHA BE BOLD, like the ROYAL CARNIVAL.

POSTED BY
on | November 6, 2012, 18:39 GMT

its always raining in srilanka feel for the away teams lol

POSTED BY
nilb
on | November 6, 2012, 18:22 GMT

@Srimal Wijesinghe agree with you 100%. I rather like to see sri lanka loose with good perfermances of Chandimal, Jeevan, Thissara, Thirimanne, Sachithra senanayake over a commanding win with Dilshan, Sanga or Mahela making a ton.

POSTED BY
yorkslanka
on | November 6, 2012, 18:18 GMT

well done to Sri Lanka on another win in another rain hit match..good to see dilly back in the runs and also more consistency from Mathews...

POSTED BY
aby_prasad
on | November 6, 2012, 17:35 GMT

innovation kiwi, innovation. didnt say to play it the same way and get injured. once upon a time batsmen used to be hospitalised or even dead with fast bowlers gunning for their head. Well we know what innovation took place dont we. Similarly :) . Maybe also some adjustments ..like reduced run up, etc for rainy matches

POSTED BY
Kristy
on | November 6, 2012, 16:49 GMT

I like if NZ wins this one.... SL are playing same old game... they don't try new things...no chance to new generation...

POSTED BY
on | November 6, 2012, 15:28 GMT

I was just curious, but how can you do so well in the begining of the match. (22 overs and limit a NZ team 80 runs) Then, when play resumes, you carelessly give away double that in 12 overs. Pretty ugly... Does Sri Lanka have any chance at winning?

POSTED BY
on | November 6, 2012, 14:06 GMT

whn will sri lanka gv chance to their youngsters ? mahela, kumar and dilshan all are above 35 and still their want to play top order rather than gving a chance to mathews, lahiru, chandilmal to play top and get sm experience. whn comes to test cricket after 2, 3yr sri lanka will be faceing big problem bcz once mahela, kumar, dilshan and thilan get retired there will be no experience players to fill these gaps and with latest SLC polices (reducing test matches) there will be time tht we'l be loss to zimbabwa and bangladesh ( bangaladesh team improving very quickly) . i think itz time for SLC to gv chance to young players get experience and serve for sri lanka in coming yrs. plz gv chance to players like munaweera, rajapaksha, dimuth karunarathne, a.perera, senanayaka. dnt let wht happen to players like j.kulathunga, i de seram, d.hettiarachchiii,s.fernando,p.hewage......

POSTED BY
Smack2000
on | November 6, 2012, 12:34 GMT

+ 90 % of bowlers breaking legs happen in the rain, so this would give possibly up to 100 new bowlers per year a chance to play international cricket!
"Quantity not quality" what a great concept?

POSTED BY
ExtremeSpeed
on | November 6, 2012, 12:09 GMT

Cricket is a summer sport suppose to be played on late spring or summer. Yes in some countries in South Asia, UAE etc its very hot but Cricket is not Football or something where you have to be extremely active in short burst of periods. Half the team in Cricket are already in the dressing room and there's also drinks break on the field. ICC should not schedule Cricket series in colder, rainy seasons where the game get less interesting and ruined. I remember when West Indies toured in Sri Lanka in 2010 where the whole series got disrupted.

POSTED BY
aby_prasad
on | November 6, 2012, 11:24 GMT

not a bad idea to try and play even if it rains, what with the weather in many countries nowadays! It wont be unfair if the disadvantages of rain applies to both teams, like in soccer. It could also be a fun match! a new kind of cricket match with new tactics that can be used only in rain! Cricinfo try and suggesting them lol :P. Definitely more safety vest to be used though ! but imagine the prospect of diving in rain, crowd having a rain party etc etc! new balls being discovered! sliding shot by a batsman etc etc! wow a whole new window :)

POSTED BY
himohan007
on | November 6, 2012, 9:54 GMT

@Kanishkaa Balachandran: Did NZ started slowly or Rain started slowly LOLZ...

No featured comments at the moment.

POSTED BY
himohan007
on | November 6, 2012, 9:54 GMT

@Kanishkaa Balachandran: Did NZ started slowly or Rain started slowly LOLZ...

POSTED BY
aby_prasad
on | November 6, 2012, 11:24 GMT

not a bad idea to try and play even if it rains, what with the weather in many countries nowadays! It wont be unfair if the disadvantages of rain applies to both teams, like in soccer. It could also be a fun match! a new kind of cricket match with new tactics that can be used only in rain! Cricinfo try and suggesting them lol :P. Definitely more safety vest to be used though ! but imagine the prospect of diving in rain, crowd having a rain party etc etc! new balls being discovered! sliding shot by a batsman etc etc! wow a whole new window :)

POSTED BY
ExtremeSpeed
on | November 6, 2012, 12:09 GMT

Cricket is a summer sport suppose to be played on late spring or summer. Yes in some countries in South Asia, UAE etc its very hot but Cricket is not Football or something where you have to be extremely active in short burst of periods. Half the team in Cricket are already in the dressing room and there's also drinks break on the field. ICC should not schedule Cricket series in colder, rainy seasons where the game get less interesting and ruined. I remember when West Indies toured in Sri Lanka in 2010 where the whole series got disrupted.

POSTED BY
Smack2000
on | November 6, 2012, 12:34 GMT

+ 90 % of bowlers breaking legs happen in the rain, so this would give possibly up to 100 new bowlers per year a chance to play international cricket!
"Quantity not quality" what a great concept?

POSTED BY
on | November 6, 2012, 14:06 GMT

whn will sri lanka gv chance to their youngsters ? mahela, kumar and dilshan all are above 35 and still their want to play top order rather than gving a chance to mathews, lahiru, chandilmal to play top and get sm experience. whn comes to test cricket after 2, 3yr sri lanka will be faceing big problem bcz once mahela, kumar, dilshan and thilan get retired there will be no experience players to fill these gaps and with latest SLC polices (reducing test matches) there will be time tht we'l be loss to zimbabwa and bangladesh ( bangaladesh team improving very quickly) . i think itz time for SLC to gv chance to young players get experience and serve for sri lanka in coming yrs. plz gv chance to players like munaweera, rajapaksha, dimuth karunarathne, a.perera, senanayaka. dnt let wht happen to players like j.kulathunga, i de seram, d.hettiarachchiii,s.fernando,p.hewage......

POSTED BY
on | November 6, 2012, 15:28 GMT

I was just curious, but how can you do so well in the begining of the match. (22 overs and limit a NZ team 80 runs) Then, when play resumes, you carelessly give away double that in 12 overs. Pretty ugly... Does Sri Lanka have any chance at winning?

POSTED BY
Kristy
on | November 6, 2012, 16:49 GMT

I like if NZ wins this one.... SL are playing same old game... they don't try new things...no chance to new generation...

POSTED BY
aby_prasad
on | November 6, 2012, 17:35 GMT

innovation kiwi, innovation. didnt say to play it the same way and get injured. once upon a time batsmen used to be hospitalised or even dead with fast bowlers gunning for their head. Well we know what innovation took place dont we. Similarly :) . Maybe also some adjustments ..like reduced run up, etc for rainy matches

POSTED BY
yorkslanka
on | November 6, 2012, 18:18 GMT

well done to Sri Lanka on another win in another rain hit match..good to see dilly back in the runs and also more consistency from Mathews...

POSTED BY
nilb
on | November 6, 2012, 18:22 GMT

@Srimal Wijesinghe agree with you 100%. I rather like to see sri lanka loose with good perfermances of Chandimal, Jeevan, Thissara, Thirimanne, Sachithra senanayake over a commanding win with Dilshan, Sanga or Mahela making a ton.